TEMPLE FOOTBALL 2006 PRESEASON OUTLOOK

PHILADELPHIA - 268. When Temple football opens its 2006 season on a Thursday evening at Buffalo, that will be the number of days that have passed since Al Golden became the man in charge. To those who have been enlisted by Golden in an all-out assault on the team's culture, however, it's a number that appears miniscule. 6,432. 385,920. Those numbers would represent the hours and minutes that will have passed since the former Penn State tight end assumed responsibility of the program's hopes and aspirations. To the people close to the revolution, however, they are still not large enough. 23,155,200: the number of seconds since the 37-year old became the 24th head coach in the 113-year history of the program. That will have to suffice. Because anyone familiar with Golden knows that each and every of these seconds has been utilized in the effort to focus forward and make Temple football win.

"There is nothing that we ask the kids to do on a daily basis that resembles anything that they were asked to do prior to our arrival," said Golden. "To call that anything less than a cultural revolution would be to truly misrepresent what these student-athletes are experiencing. You can never truly accomplish culture change because culture is a way of life--a way of life defined by the values of all those in the program. It's not about reaching a fixed goal. Rather, your culture supplies everyone in the organization with a set of values with which you operate on a daily basis and accompanies each member in all aspects of their life. What you do is who you are."

Temple football has done plenty since December 6. On February 1, the team inked a recruiting class ranked as the best in the Mid-American Conference (by CollegeFootballNews.com) in a span of just seven weeks. An interior redesign of Edberg-Olson Hall has taken place. New strength coach Tony Decker has created a work environment in the weight room that has resulted in tangible increases. The staff has been successful in raising the football IQ of the team by exposing the players to new systems, teaching them how to conduct the game and by implementing a unique summer player development program. More importantly, the student-athletes have made progress in their overall approach to academics while developing the communication and life skills necessary to be successful after football.

"Our largest impact thus far as a staff has been our relationships with the players," said Golden. "We have worked extremely hard to develop trust and improve communication with our team. One of the things we believe in is 'service to players above all else.' This means the player is at the epicenter of our coaching model and that everything we do as a coach takes a back seat to the student-athlete."

Despite all the accomplishments and progress made thus far, the Owls are acutely aware that greater work lies ahead. With a demanding schedule in place and 22 incoming signees expected to contribute, there are still many questions awaiting answers. Although there is no crystal ball, the plan is in place and the goals have been set.

"We want to field a team that is mentally, physically and competitively tough--one that will not back down to anyone," said Golden. "We need to play smart and be known as a team that recognizes how to conduct itself in critical situations. Play with enthusiasm, confidence and discipline. We also seek to possess tremendous stamina and endurance to be able to win a tough game in the fourth quarter. If we can accomplish these goals, the wins and losses will take care of themselves."

Offense

The Temple offense returns five starters among 18 letterwinners. George DeLeone, who has 35 seasons of coaching experience and 13 postseason bowl games on his resume, directs the unit and installed a multiple system this past spring. The system is designed to create balance to force defenses to defend the run and pass equally on every down. It brings a tough-minded approach and seeks to highlight the team's playmakers.

"We did not baby our players in any way relative to the installation," said DeLeone. "We challenged them to learn a great deal of football. We improved as the spring progressed and I expect significant growth assignment as the preseason rolls on."

Position concerns are a standard reality for all programs prior to the start of preseason camp. The Owls' area of primary concern resides under center, where the team needs to identify its starting quarterback prior to its opening battle against the Bulls.  A pair of sophomores--Colin Clancy and Shane Kelly--saw action as true freshmen in 2005. They competed in the spring with Jarrett Dunston, a mid-year transfer that was the top rated postgraduate quarterback in the nation by Rivals. Clancy played in five contests in 2005, connecting on 10 of 19 aerials for 121 yards and a score. Kelly competed in one game, completing two of six passes for 18 yards at Wisconsin.

The trio will grow by two in preseason camp when former Penn State signee Adam DiMichele and true freshman Vaughn Charlton, from nearby Avon Grove High School, join the fray. Golden expects a five-horse race for the starting job once camp begins.

The offensive line, under the leadership of Bob Bicknell, returns two starters in fifth-year senior tackle Elliot Seifert and redshirt sophomore center Alex Derenthal. A two-year starter, Seifert has proven a leader both on and off the field. An Eagle Scout who is very active in community service, he earned his degree in biology this past May and was a member of the Big East All-Academic Team in both 2003 and 2004. Derenthal earned Honorable Mention Freshman All-America accolades from The Sporting News last season after playing virtually every snap as a redshirt freshman.

Also expected to play key roles on the offensive front are Jabari Ferguson and Neil Dickson. Ferguson played in 10 games as a redshirt freshman in 2005 and is being counted on to be a primary protector at tackle. Dickson, who entered spring drills penciled-in as a starter at defensive tackle and exited the spring as the listed starter at right guard, was one of many scholarship players to switch sides of the ball for the betterment of the entire squad.

Senior Leigh Denman, who missed last season with a hip injury and was unable to practice in the spring while rehabilitating the injury, returns in the fall.  He is joined by large group of competitors seeking time in the trenches that includes Dwavon Battle, Marcos Hanna, Brison Manor, Evan Margulies, Sean Satchell and Carl Spitale. The group will be further pressed in the fall when newcomers Bryce Carter, Darius Morris and Charles Smith arrive.

Tight end is another area of early concern for the Owls and position coach Andrew Dees. With sophomore Ben Hendy the only experienced playmaker on the roster at the position, the development of depth is sorely needed. The team's multiple offense will seek to employ some double tight end sets.

Hendy started six games as a true freshman last season and made two catches for 26 yards. Redshirt freshman Bill McGrath, who also serves as a long-snapper, was injured early in spring drills, limiting his ability to become acclimated to the new system. A pair of highly touted recruits, Marcus Brown and Steve Maneri, will arrive in the fall with the opportunity to play key roles.

The tailback position, under the direction of Jeff Nixon, had a productive spring and looks to be one of the strengths of the team. Senior Tim Brown, a shifty runner with a low center of gravity, has the edge entering preseason camp and won the team's most improved offensive player award in the spring. After starting 10 games in 2004, he sat out all of last season under academic guidelines and was redshirted. As a first-year junior, he carried 108 times for 432 yards and two touchdowns. He also proved valuable in the passing game, making 33 catches for 199 yards and one score. Mid-year postgraduate transfer Jason Harper, who was the seventh best running back prospect in the state of Virginia according to Scouts, Inc., also answered the bell during spring drills and is poised to be a key contributor.

Returning starter Josh Bundy is joined by converted linebacker Vince Yasenchak at fullback. Junior Mike Neal, who entered spring practice penciled-in as the starter, suffered a neck injury and will continue his career as an undergraduate assistant coach. The injury resulted in Yasenchak's conversion and placed a greater focus on Bundy, a local product from Ambler, Pa. A third-year junior, he started six games at fullback last season, while playing in all 11 contests and on special teams. He carried 16 times for 39 yards and three touchdowns while also catching three passes for 22 yards.

Nate Schiccatano, a graduate student with one season of eligibility remaining, arrives in Owl Country to compete at fullback and tight end after playing at Notre Dame for the past four seasons. He competed at multiple positions for the Irish under several head coaches. The Coal Township (Pa.) native will be granted every opportunity to make his mark on North Broad Street in his final season on the collegiate gridiron.

The receiving corps, under the leadership of Ryan Day, returns six letterwinners and is expected to be one of the team's strong points. Several potential playmakers are in the group and will have ample opportunity to display their wares in the team's spread offense concepts. Redshirt junior Domerio Hamilton and senior Mike Holley have shown themselves to be the leaders of the corps. Hamilton played in all 11 games as a first-year sophomore last season and made three starts en route to six receptions for 90 yards and one touchdown. Holley, a former defensive back, has persevered through eligibility issues the past two seasons and is poised to make his return.

Sophomores Bruce Francis and Travis Shelton also possess game-breaking ability. Francis earned the inaugural Gavin White Jr. Walk-On Award this past spring and enters preseason camp as the projected starter at the X-position on the left side. A native of Sicklerville, N.J., he played in the final five games as a true freshman last season and caught 14 passes for 133 yards. Shelton was redshirted last season to concentrate on academics after making four grabs for 77 yards and a score as a true freshman in 2004, while also returning kickoffs. A "sudden" player with explosive capability, Shelton possesses rare speed for any program.

The most experienced wide receiver on the roster is senior Jamel Harris, who started all 11 games last season and made 20 receptions for 241 yards. Harris has 44 career receptions for 558 yards in 31 contests. Fellow upperclassman Nick Santa Cruz, who also functions as a return specialist, brings experience to the position as well. An undersized player with an oversized heart, he had six receptions for 76 yards as a first-year junior in 2005. Track athlete Josue Louis is also in the mix and will be joined in preseason camp by incoming signees A.J. Bunton, Dy'Onne Crudup and Dale Parris.

Defense

The Temple defense returns two starters among 17 letterwinners. Coordinator Mark D'Onofrio installed a multi-faceted 3-4 system this past spring designed to offer flexibility. The alignment gives the Owls the ability to rush three to seven players on every down.

"The players have adapted well to our new system," said D'Onofrio. "Learning a new terminology is always difficult. The biggest adjustment was getting the players used to the tempo that we demand during practice.  They made a big commitment to learn how to communicate better as a defense. We also improved our tackling and pursuit of the ball and we will continue to put a big emphasis on those areas in the fall."

It might seem unusual to consider an area without returning starters a strength, but such is the case with the defensive line. Despite the fact that four senior starters have exited North Broad Street, the Owls and position coach Matt Rhule are very excited about what their defensive front has to offer. Among the youthful and exuberant group, sophomore defensive end Philip Simpson has emerged as an individual who has the ability to make his teammates respond. A former Dade County (Fla.) high school player of the year at quarterback, he was redshirted last season in order to concentrate on academics. Simpson played in eight games at end as a true freshman in 2004 and offers great athleticism for a player of his size.

Second-year sophomore Terrance Knighton and redshirt freshman Devin Tyler are also poised to play key roles along the team's three-man front. Knighton is an imposing figure with a big upside and is slated to be the featured nose tackle. In his first career start last year, he made 11 tackles and 2.5 TFLs at Navy. Tyler has added 35 pounds to his six-foot, seven-inch frame and is poised to be one of the team's primary pass-rushers.

Senior defensive ends Doug Morris and David Fatherly, as well as sophomore defensive tackle Alston Smith should also prove instrumental. Morris, a former Auburn recruit, was one of Temple's most touted signees in 2005 but was sidelined by injury last year. Smith played in eight games in a reserve role in 2005. They will be pushed by incoming signees Terrance Banks, Andre Neblett and Dave Nwasike.

Temple's linebacking corps, under the direction of Mike Siravo, has a defined leader in fifth-year senior Ryan Gore. A Philadelphia native, Gore is the most experienced player on the roster, having played in all 34 games over the past three seasons. In 2005, he made 60 tackles in 10 starts. Gore will play one of the two outside spots and will be complemented by redshirt sophomore Leyon Azubuike at rush outside linebacker. The Owls will often show five linemen, three down with two outside linebackers up to give 5-0 and 5-2 appearances. Azubuike, who played defensive end as a redshirt in 2004, made five starts at tight end last year.

Returning competition at outside linebacker will come in the form of Kevin Armstrong and Ryan Herting. Armstrong played in all 11 games, primarily on special teams, as a true freshman last season. Herting joined the team as a preferred walk-on in 2005 after transferring from Pittsburgh.

The inside linebacker positions at the onset of preseason camp are the property of sophomore Keith Holt and senior Walter Mebane. Holt, a converted safety, has gained 15 pounds of muscle since the conclusion of the 2005 campaign and possesses the athleticism the coaching staff wants inside. The Williamstown, N.J. native played in all 11 games and earned three starts as a true freshman, making 33 tackles.  Mebane has also worked hard on his strength and conditioning and was noticeably swifter in the spring. He played in all 11 games as a first-year junior in 2005.

Sophomore Andrew Coleman, a former walk-on that earned a scholarship and juniors Matt Powell and Brent Fisher will provide depth at inside linebacker.

The entire linebacker corps will receive a stiff dose of competition in the fall when five highly-regarded signees arrive. Junior Gallette, Le'Ron Irwin, Alex Joseph, Millage Peaks and Brian Sanford will be given the opportunity to make their marks early in Owl Country.

Senior Chris Page is the lone returning starter in a secondary that has seven experienced letterwinners and is under the leadership of Paul Williams. After making seven starts as a first-year junior in 2005, Page moved to safety in the spring. He made 40 total stops at left cornerback last season. He will be paired at safety with redshirt freshman Dominique Harris, who has a high ceiling and offers good size at the position.

Senior Michael Loveland, a former wide receiver who arrived in Owl Country as a walk-on and earned a scholarship, made a name for himself with his aggressive play at safety in the spring. Sophomore Richard Sheppard and mid-year post-graduate transfer Wilbert Brinson also project as contributors. Sheppard, a Philadelphia native, played in all 11 games, primarily on special teams, as a true freshman in 2005.

Second-year sophomore Georg Coleman and fifth-year senior David Reese are slated to command the left and right cornerback spots, respectively. Coleman moved to the defensive side in the spring after playing in eight games and making one start at running back as a true freshman last season. He excelled at corner in the spring and was named the team's most improved defensive player. Reese returns after sitting out last season under eligibility guidelines. He made four starts in 2004.

Sophomore Evan Cooper, Jr., the son of the former Philadelphia Eagle, and redshirt freshman Nickolas McAllister are also in the mix at cornerback. They will be joined in the fall by a player SuperPrep touted as New Jersey's best cover corner, Anthony Ferla.

Special Teams

The kicking game was an area of primary concern entering spring practice and remains a primary concern at the onset of preseason camp. The Owls need to replace their primary kicker, punter, holder and long snapper from the 2005 campaign. Junior Danny Murphy, a former walk-on that earned a scholarship, is the only specialist with game experience, having seen time on kick-offs and attempting one field goal in 2004. He competed in the spring with fifth-year senior walk-on Mike Pettinelli. An added dose of competition arrives in fall camp, when a pair of preferred walk-ons from Pennsylvania, both of whom earned all-state honors, take the field.

Redshirt freshman Jake Brownell, a local product from West Deptford, N.J. who transferred to Temple last fall after a brief stint at Navy, will handle the punting duties. Brownell displayed a strong leg in spring practice, while also serving as the team's holder on field goals and extra points.

The Owls auditioned several prospects at long snapper in the spring after McGrath, the team's primary prospect at the position, was sidelined by injury. Competition for the job will continue in fall camp.

Return teams competition should prove both heated and entertaining in preseason, as several experienced performers will collide with many incoming freshmen with highlight reel potential looking to make names for themselves.

On punt returns, Santa Cruz and Brown have both proven effective in game situations. Santa Cruz returned six punts last season and Brown had five returns in 2004. On kickoff return, Shelton and Harper both displayed electricity during spring drills. Shelton averaged 20.4 yards on 13 kickoff returns as a true freshman in 2004.

Schedule

The Owls face a demanding 12-game schedule without a bye week. On the slate are nine opponents that concluded their 2005 seasons with winning records, including five that competed in postseason bowl games.

"Few teams have bye weeks, given the 12-game schedule and the calendar this year," said Golden. "We were able to generate two weekends off by scheduling a pair of Thursday night contests. We are extremely excited at the prospect of playing six MAC opponents, as well as teams from the SEC, Big East and Big Ten."

Temple begins its 108th season of collegiate football Thursday evening (Aug. 31) at Buffalo in a game that pairs two first-year coaches in Golden and the Bulls' Turner Gill.  The Owls host Louisville, which concluded its 2005 season nationally-ranked (19 AP/20 coaches), in their home opener on September 9. The Cherry & White then takes a three-week road trip, visiting Big Ten-member Minnesota (Sept. 16), Western Michigan (Sept. 23) and SEC-member Vanderbilt (Sept. 30). Temple hosts Kent State (Oct. 7) at Lincoln Financial Field before playing ACC-member Clemson, who concluded its 2005 season ranked 21st in both polls, Thursday evening (Oct. 12) at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., home of the NFL's Carolina Panthers. 

The Owls then play a trio of MAC foes, traveling to Northern Illinois (Oct. 21) before hosting Bowling Green in the annual homecoming game (Oct. 28) and Central Michigan (Nov. 4). On November 11, Temple visits University Park, to meet the Nittany Lions, who concluded their 2005 campaign ranked No. 3 in both polls with an 11-1 record. 

Four members of the TU coaching staff, including Golden, played under Joe Paterno at Penn State.  The Owls end their regular season in Annapolis for the second consecutive year, when they meet the Midshipmen on November 18 in a nationally televised contest on CSTV.

"All of the games on our schedule are equally important," said Golden. "I don't believe in placing a greater emphasis on one over another. Each win counts as one, whether you win by one or fifty."

Temple University Athletics

TEMPLE FOOTBALL 2006 PRESEASON OUTLOOK

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